Define the Specific Heat Capacity of a material. What is its unit?

This is the amount of energy needed to heat 1kg of the material by 1 degree: ENERGY to heat a MASS by a TEMPERATURE INCREASE.
Usingstandard units:Energyis in Joules [J]Massis in kilograms [kg]Temperaturein degrees Celcius [oC]
Thisis energy PER unit mass PER unit temperature difference(showin fraction with mass and dT on denominator)Sothe units must be J/kg oC

LO
Answered by Laura O. Physics tutor

2266 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why do you weigh less on the Moon than on Earth?


A jug containing 0.250 kg of liquid is put into a refrigerator. Its temperature decreased from 20°C to 15°C. The amount of energy transferred from the liquid was 5,250 J. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the liquid.


The energy transferred from the water in the kettle to its surroundings in 2 hours is 46 200 J. The mass of water in the kettle is 0.50 kg. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J/kg °C. What is its temperature after 2 hours?


An apple is suspended a string and a spring in parallel. When the string is cut, the apple falls, and the spring stretches and contracts repeatedly as the apple bounces. Describe the energy conversions that occur during this process.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning